BFG made mash hooks apparently are discontinued for some reason and the metal-adjuster version was listed on a major US retailer site as no longer supplied.
We can get whatever we want from BFG
Now should I buy a padded or non-padded? Will not be carrying a restricted rifle so perhaps the padded might be an unnecessary encumbrance or would it just be a better choice?
If you're going to be carrying it for hours at a time, or it's heavier than 12lbs or so, then I'd suggest going with the padded, otherwise everyone finds the non padded to be great.
Also if you're going to be wearing armor, go non padded.